Allow children to learn through meaningful play.

Last year, the National Head Start Association passed a policy that stops allowing centers to use food as a learning activity. The policy states that if an activity involves food, centers can not use it unless it is for cooking. In the past we could use dried beans, noodles and rice as sensory play. We used them for math, art, music, gross and fine motor, science and more. The NHSA deemed it offensive to use food for play. In no way was it used to be culturally insensitive. Because of the ban on these items, there has also been talk of not allowing the children to play with homemade playdo, as it is made from food. That also means no opening pumpkins to see how they grow. Our children need to be free to explore and play. The money we use to buy these items does not get taken away from the families or other parts of the agency. Dry food items have endless possibilities in an infant and toddler class. My hope is to get this petition going and get the voice of those who understand that the last thing we need to so is stifle children's creativity. Thank you for your time and support.